Blossoming cherries are commonly associated with Japan. The cherry blossom is the national flower of Japan, which is present in all kinds of art as the symbol of delicacy and evanescence, as well as impermanent beauty of human life. In 1912 the Japanese Emperor had given the USA government 3000 cherry trees saplings, which were meant to emphasize friendly relations between the two countries. They were planted in the Tidal Basin Park in Washington, where they have been growing ever since. In 1956 Japan and the USA renewed diplomatic relations, which were broken during World War II. In order to honor that moment the Japanese gave 3800 cherry trees samplings, which were planted in the same park. Today the cherry Tidal Basin Park is a big tourist attraction, especially in spring when trees blossom white and pink.
